Ask anyone associated with the Michigan State program from the head coach on down to a custodian at the Skandalaris Football Center which young player in the Spartan program will be the next superstar and the answer will most likely be Tony Lippett.

Mark Dantonio began comparing Lippett to two-way Ohio State star Chris Gamble last December during bowl practice. Few would have the better qualifications to make such a comparison than Dantonio who was the architect of the National Championship defense that featured Gamble a rare two-way starter at cornerback and wide receiver for the Buckeyes. The fifth-year Michigan State head coach expects Lippett to play a key role on both sides of the football at wide receiver and cornerback for the defending Big Ten champs.